Share 'First Reaction'

Many players react by separating the hands and moving the racquet first, losing valuable time to reach a distant ball.
It is best to keep the non-playing hand on the racquet, so you make with your torso (and your foot closest to the ball) your first move.
You don't even need to think of preparing at all.
You lean towards the side where you need to run to, sliding the outside foot just like a spri…